Bike challenge gives research a leg up

Cyclists from the National Grid Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Cycle for Life team appear with their bicycles while sporting work helmets. From left are Michael Rooney, Patrick Esposito, Donald Thompson, Stacey Hughes and David Naske. (Stacey Hughes)

For cyclist and self-professed tree-hugger Stacey Hughes, 30-plus miles on bike is a walk — or, ride — in the park.

Hughes regularly bikes from her home near the University at Albany to work at National Grid’s Broadway office, which is about a 14-mile round trip.

She recently challenged four male co-workers — Michael Rooney, Patrick Esposito, Donald Thompson and David Naske — to ride 32 miles with her through scenic yet “hilly” Washington County as part of the third annual Aptails CF Cycle for Life, held on Aug. 25 to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“They’re all the muscley NiMo guys that you’re used to seeing, and it’s fun to ride with them,” said Hughes, who serves on the executive board of the foundation’s Northeastern New York chapter. “Almost all of the dollars (we) raised will go directly toward cystic fibrosis research.”

The bike tour started early in the morning at the Cambridge High School bus garage. Some 60 cyclists then pedaled through the Battenkill Valley’s villages, over covered bridges and along its picturesque lakes and family farms.

Local ridership for the event, which is hosted in cities throughout the country, continues to grow each year.

The five-member National Grid team completed the course in about three hours. Hughes rode another course totaling 64 miles last year in under five hours.

A manager of community and customer management at National Grid, Hughes joined her late father, David, at the company 30 years ago when it was still Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. She is involved in many community service projects and has a special interest in alternative fuel vehicles.

“You try to figure out a way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it can be a hard concept to embrace,” said Hughes. “Cycling is my contribution, as little as it may be.”

National Grid donated $2,000 to the race, which netted more than $45,000, about a 40 percent increase from last year. Hughes’ team raised $1,510.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 30,000 children and adults in the United States suffer from the life-threatening genetic disease, which causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to infections, as well as obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

The Northeastern New York chapter is hosting two benefits this month: a golf tournament on Sept. 23 and the 15th annual Capital Sip fundraiser on Sept. 26.

“People are really getting relief from (Kalydeco),” said Hughes. “It’s exciting to think that the dollars we’re raising could actually help people get cured.”

65 Roses benefit

What: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeastern New York will host a 65 Roses golf tournament

When: Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 23

Where: Colonie Golf & Country Club, 141 Maple Road in Voorheesville

Info: Some children with cystic fibrosis call their disease “65 Roses” because it’s easier for them to pronounce. The event includes a boxed lunch, competition holes, a gourmet buffet and live/silent auctions. Registration is $165 per golfer. For information, click here.